Book Review - Dreaming of Italy by T. A. Williams

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Amazon UK

Title: Dreaming of Italy

Author: T. A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 4th May 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Up for a dream promotion, Emma won’t let anything get in her way – not even love.
Working for a major Hollywood film company isn’t all glitz and glam. But when Emma gets sent to tour around Italy to scout the perfect location for a new blockbuster movie, she’s not going to complain. Especially when it could make or break her career…

Historical adviser Mark is a distraction that Emma does not need. As they explore the beauty of Italy, though, Emma starts to fall for the mysterious historian, finding herself torn between her job and her heart.

From the wild, northern mountains of Piedmont, down the vibrant coast of Cinque Terre and through the rolling hills of Tuscany, Emma’s journey becomes one of self-discovery as she questions her priorities in life.

This heartwarming story of romance and redemption is the perfect read for fans of Tilly Tennant, Holly Martin and Daisy James.

Utter perfection, everything you could ever want for in a T. A. Williams book, or a book set in Italy is present in this story....

... well with the exception of an incredibly sexy Italian male hero... but Mark is a rather gorgeous historian, Rich is a good looking heir to a Hollywood fortune, and there is Ethan an actual movie star - so the book isn't missing male eye candy at all, just no genuine Italians amongst them!! 

But besides that minor quibble which literally only just occurred to me as I was writing this, the story is utter perfection. 

Emma works for a big Hollywood film company and has been tasked with finding off the beaten track, away from the major tourist hotspots, beauty spots across Italy for locations of what they are hoping will be their new blockbuster film - Dreaming of Italy.  

What I really enjoyed was seeing how aspects of the movie plot, seemed to mirror the situations that the group that Emma is leading,  in a trip taking in the entirety of Italy.

Some of the places I've heard of, possibly in passing when looking at cruise ship excursions, others were completely new to me, but all sounded stunning.  

T. A. Williams knows his Italy very well, and everything was incredibly well described and it felt as though I was on this trip with the characters.  I loved the new fledgling romances that were popping up, the eccentric film director is far to hard to describe to do him justice but keep an eye out for him. 

All fans of the author will be delighted to see there is his trademark chocolate Labrador, this one called Carmen fitted seamlessly into the story. Carmen is a delight and utterly loves swimming pools! 

There is just so so much to love in this book, I read it in a few hours straight on a hot sunny afternoon, and it was my most enjoyable afternoon in a long time. 

While international travel is at a standstill, dreaming of far away places and holidays that we may or may not be having this year, then Dreaming of Italy will certainly take you on a much needed break from reality and on a wonderful trip around Italy! 

Easily my favourite book from this author for a while, and I do tend to love them all!

Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Dreaming of Verona by T. A. Williams - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Amazon UK

Title: Dreaming of Verona

Author: T. A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Publisher supplied copy

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 3rd February 2020 

Rating: 5 Stars

Verona is the City of Love. But will Suzie find romance there or, like Romeo and Juliet, will it all end in tears?

When Suzie is hired to accompany spoiled, abrasive Lady Alexandra Tedburn on an all-expenses paid holiday to Italy, she fears the trip will be a disaster.

But she soon discovers there’s more to Alex than shopping and tantrums, and she’s determined to help her realise her potential – against Alex’s authoritarian father’s wishes.

As they settle in Verona, Suzie can’t stop thinking about local artist Michael, who is still mourning the tragic death of his wife. With Suzie’s future uncertain, and Michael’s past
holding him back, it seems there’s no hope for romance in the city of
star-crossed lovers… or is there?

A gorgeously uplifting and moving story, Dreaming of Verona is the perfect read for fans of Holly Martin, Tilly Tennant and Jenny Oliver.

I love books set in Italy, I love T.A. Williams books, and Verona is a city I've never been to either in real life or virtually. 

So I was of course excited to tuck into, and feast up Dreaming of Verona. 

I loved the development of both Alex and Suzie as the story progresses, of their trip to Italy, and just what it develops into. 

I loved the windsurfing element to the story on Lake Garda, never seen it featured so much before, but enjoyed every second of it. 

I also adored the black lab that is introduced, he is adorable as always and his owner is a great addition to the book, and the way he plays a big roles in elements of the book is really interesting.

With Italian food, a look at what can be expected from family in a privileged lifestyle, a great deal of Shakespeare references and talk, and a very slow burning romance for the main character, this was a joy to read. 

I found I was whizzing through the pages a bit too fast, as it means there is an even longer wait until I get to read one of my favourite authors again!

Thank you to Emily Bedford at Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Dreaming of Rome by T. A. Williams

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Amazon UK

Title: Dreaming of Rome

Author: T. A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo 

Publication Date: 6th May 2019

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Rome is where the heart is… The heartwarming read of the summer
Jo has had enough of handsome men. After a painful break-up, she’s decided she doesn’t believe in love.

Then, while on a professional trip to the magical city of Rome, she meets Corrado, a scientist and her brother-in-law to be, who doesn’t believe in love either. To him, it’s just a biochemical reaction. So what’s the problem?

Well, he’s gorgeous for a start, as well as charming, generous, intelligent and attentive, and she feels herself immediately falling for him, despite her new outlook.

The majesty of the Eternal City brings them ever closer together. But is their relationship doomed, or will love conquer all?

I think I'm in love... not with Jo, not with the sexy Corrado, not with the city of Rome.. but with T.A. Williams latest adorable labrador, Daisy.   She is adorable,  clearly cares about not only Corrado but takes a very fast liking to Jo too.  I was always smiling when I was reading about her. 

Of course she isn't meant to be the star of the book, those other things I mentioned really are, and its once again clear how much the author clearly loves travel and Italy, as it shines through in his words.   I'm also pleased to say its not just Rome featured, but some other locations too which are equally wonderful. 

I did though find it took me a while to fully get into this book, possibly because our two main leads neither of them believe in love, and they have so much in common it was frustrating me that they couldn't see what me as a reader could see which is that they were clearly made for each other. 

I loved Jo's main passion outside of work, was butterflies, I learnt so much about the various species that exist, and found myself with the word "Lepidoptera" running over and over in my head, after seeing it a few times in the book. I literally had butterflies on the mind, although I've never managed to get as close to one as Jo did to take photos or video.  

I believe there is a message in this book about the environment, conservation and the use of plastics, its rather subtle but fairly sure its there, but given Jo's occupation its not overly surprising.  

Although It took a while to get going for me, once I was, I was enthralled, and was enjoying every moment of it.   

Thank you to much to Netgalley and Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Dreaming of Tuscany by T. A. Williams

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Amazon UK

Title: Dreaming of Tuscany

Author: T. A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 11th February 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

The glamour of Hollywood. The magic of the Tuscan countryside. One big decision...
Beatrice Kingdom (Bee to her friends) wakes up in hospital in Tuscany. After an accident on a film set leaves her burned and scarred, she feels her whole life has been turned upside down.

Bee is offered the chance of recuperating in a stunning Tuscan villa in the company of a world-famous film star, the irascible Mimi Robertson. Here amid the vines and olive groves, Bee quickly finds there’s more to the place than meets the eye, not least a certain Luca (and Romeo the dog).

As she comes to terms with her injuries and her new life takes shape, Bee will have to travel a road of self-discovery… and make a huge decision.

It is always a pleasure to sit down and be absorbed into a new T. A. Williams book and I'm delighted to say that this was no exception. 

i loved every moment of this well written book, from its amazing descriptions of the Tuscan villa, the surrounding area, Italian food, a gorgeous man, beautiful scenery, to the fledgling friendship between Bree and Mimi. 

Bree is a history specialist, and Mimi is a famous film star, and with the exception of the film they had both just been working on, the only other thing they have in common is that they were both injured in a freak accident on the film set. Which leads to them recuperating together in a remote Tuscan Villa. 

I loved seeing how Bree adapted to life in the countryside, and the scenery on her many walks was really vividly described.  And her regular companion while walking around the huge grounds, is Romeo. 

Romeo is adorable, handsome, loyal, a huge fan of Italian food, and a fabulous companion for Bree, as he knows his way around really well. Of course Luca his owner has all those same qualities too and he and Bree seem to be on the same wave length about most things.  Oh and Romeo is in fact the trademark of a T. A. Williams book, a black Labrador! 

I really enjoyed every moment of this book, and would have loved the story to continue for longer, as i wasn't ready to leave these characters behind. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Dreaming of Christmas by T. A. Williams

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Amazon UK

Title: Dreaming of Christmas

Author: T. A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 27th August 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

It’s the dream Christmas: snow, mountains… and, er, an ex-boyfriend. But can Zoe still find love in the Alps?
Dumped on Christmas Eve by her long-term boyfriend, it's been a rough year for Zoe Lumsley. But then she gets an invitation she can’t refuse: an all expenses paid skiing holiday with old university friends.

The bad news: her ex, Grant, will be there with his new girlfriend. But so will her former flatmate Billy, the organiser, and in the meantime he’s done rather well for himself. As Christmas in the Alps approaches, it'll be great to see the old gang. Some more than others...

No T. A. Williams book could be complete without a black labrador, so I was delighted to meet Archie, our four legged friend for the book.  In terms of cuteness hes is matched only by Bella, the 5 year old daughter of one of Zoe's old housemates. 

For Zoe and the others that all lived together have been invited to a reunion in an all expenses paid holiday to Austria over Christmas, by the reclusive success story of the group. 

This is a book filled with festive cheer, skiing, glorious Austrian settings, a grand romantic gesture, a few men that are bit great specimens of their species, this was a joy to read. 

I loved the descriptions of the setting and felt as though I was there beside Zoe and her friends,  Of course it isn't all plain sailing, there are some rather dramatic moments too which added to the appeal. 

Then there are the others in this group on holiday with whom Zoe takes on a agony aunt sort of role.  With the exception of her ex boyfriend, I really liked all the other characters, especially once they started to open up a bit, and we got to see their true selves. 

I loved how everyone seemed to gain such a lot from this holiday.  Billy the organiser and reason they are all together has apparently changed massively since they last knew him, but as a result he was easily one of my favourite characters and although I had sort of work out where sections of the book were going, my reasoning was completely out! 

This is a fun festive read, that I read incredibly quickly and I really enjoyed my time spent in the Austrian Alps with Zoe and the gang.   

Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Dreaming of St. Tropez by T.A. Williams

Amazon UK

Title: Dreaming of St. Tropez

Author: T.A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 7th May 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

The perfect summer escape on the French Riviera. Sun, sea and secrets…
After a disagreement with a billionaire, architect Jess Milton is ‘let go’ from her job. However fortune intervenes – an elderly client asks Jess to dog-sit overweight, but loveable dog Brutus in St. Tropez.

Fed up with the mega-rich, Jess is reluctant to visit the playground of billionaires, but an all-expenses-paid trip and the promise of sunshine seals the deal.

Little does Jess know how much time she’ll be spending with the family living in St. Tropez. The sullen, but very good-looking David and his millionaire father are both welcoming but guarded, haunted by their pasts…

Can Jess bring some sunshine back into their lives – and, just maybe, find love in the process?

I'm starting to think I must repeat myself every time I read a T.A. Williams book, between the stunning location, delicious food, great friendship and adorable dog and a gorgeous guy what more could a girl want in a book. 

Let's start with the location, St. Tropez in the French Riviera, which is every bit as glamorous as it sounds, a town filled with the rich and famous but also plenty of regular people too, which was a relief to Jess as she isn't too keen to rich people. 

Almost from the moment the girls arrive in France, you are bombarded with descriptions of the area, their home for the summer, and also all the French food, from the crumbling flaky pastries for breakfast to the arrange of fruit and veg available locally and meals out in restaurants, you certainly get the gourmet's guide to Williams' St. Tropez. 

When Jess loses her job for standing up for herself, she isn't sure what to do but a former client turns into her saviour by offering a few months in the sun, in St. Tropez looking after her dog Brutus, while she goes on a round the world cruise. Jess is allowed to invite her best friend, Hope along, and Hope has been dreaming of visiting St. Tropez for many years.   Thankfully they both like jobs and Jess is also asked to try to improve the lives of the men living in the French residence. 

David is her client's grandson, and he and his father have been having a difficult time over the past few years, and although I kind of liked the look of some of the other men floating about in St. Tropez, Jess's heart felt something towards one in particular even without being sure why. 

Brutus, what a fabulous dog, he as labradors often are one of the stars of the book, starting a an overweight dog that needs to be put on a diet, as the girls look after him more and more, he starts to act more like an active dog with plenty of energy.  Regardless throughout he is capable of getting up to hilarious mischief! 

I was enthralled from start to finish in this immensely enjoyable story of sun, sea, sand, swimming and St. Tropez. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Dreaming of Florence by T.A. Williams

Amazon UK

Title: Dreaming of Florence

Author: T.A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 8th January 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Fresh pasta, red wine, fine art… and love? Find enchantment this year in the magical city of Florence

When Debbie Waterson’s bicycle crashes into handsome doctor Pierluigi, she wonders if her luck has changed. Determinedly single after ending a long relationship, at last, a man worth bumping into!


Inspired to visit Florence, she soon runs headlong into that old foe: reality. But is Pierluigi the man of her dreams? Then there’s her booze obsessed boss, his forbidding secretary and her noisy inconsiderate neighbours. But could her luck be about to change? Will she find love after all?

Why did this book have to end? I mean I could have carried on reading it for a lot longer I was enjoying it that much.  And when you get to a chance to move to and live in the city of your dreams will it live up to your high expectations?  

Well that is what Debbie finds out, after a slight bicycle accident with Pierluigi leads to a turn of events that involve Debbie finally about to visit Florence and seek our the sweet spot in the city, with the view of the Duomo that she has been dreaming about since she was a child. 

Based on the descriptions of Florence it is clear that its a city that the author must love, as you get such a keen sense not just of the larger tourist attractions, but of every day life in Firenze. From the architecture, to places off the beaten track, to the restaurants and delicious sounding Italian foods, to some of the surrounding area, the book could potentially be a love letter to Florence! 

The question is will Pierluigi also be the man of her dreams, and just how will she cope in Florence? Well those are answered and its quite an adventure for Debbie. 

You may though be wondering is there T.A. William's trademark chocolate labrador in this book and you will be delighted to hear that Bryon features and is absolutely gorgeous. He brightens every scene he is in, and it clearly a well loved dog. I'm just not telling you where he fits into the story! 

From my virtual trip to Florence, to the romance in the book, the amazing food descriptions, the hidden tourist spots of the city and a whole lot more, plus memorable characters and a lovely story, Dreaming of Florence is a fabulous book that I loved every last second of. 

Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - To Provence, With Love by T.A. Williams

Amazon UK

Title: To Provence, with Love

Author: T.A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 12th July 2017

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Anything is possible…

Struggling writer Faye Carter just can’t believe her luck. She’s off to Provence to write the autobiography of a famous film star and she’ll be staying in the stunning chateau!

So when she meets charming (and completely gorgeous) lavender farmer, Gavin, she knows that she’s made the right choice – even if glamourous, elderly Anabelle seems to be hiding something…

But when the sun is shining, the food is delicious and the air smells of honey, anything seems possible. Will the magic of Provence help Faye finally find a happy-ever-after of her own?

Another absolutely lovely book from the talented T.A. Williams. This one features an ageing actress, a biographer, a reticent farmer, fields of lavender,  Provence and one of my favourite fictional labradors, Marlon. 

So where to start? Well let's begin with Annabelle Beech who is wanting her biography written, even if it never is published. She hires a relatively unknown author to write it for her, and allows the biographer to stay in Provence with her for 6 months for a rather large sum on completion of the project. 

Faye is the person chosen for this task, and after her first meeting with Annabelle she is eager to get started, and to embrace life in Provence for a bit. She is after all nursing a bit of a broken heart so a change of scenery is very welcome. 

The first person in Provence that Faye meets is rather quiet lavender farmer Gavin, and as the weeks progress they build a quiet friendship. In addition Faye starts meeting the locals of the area, and agrees to run English classes for them. 

I loved the sound of Provence, especially all the beautiful walks that Faye took, with Marlon alongside her. Marlon is a gorgeous black labrador who is always up for a walk. He barks a lot at strangers but takes to Faye instantly. They often come across another black lab on their walks, George, who is Marlon's brother. 

It is reasonably clear quite early on that Annabelle is hiding something, and I had a strong inkling quite far before the reveal as to what the secret may be. I was correct and although it didn't detract from my enjoyment, the timing of it did make em wonder where the book would go from there. 

I found the sections of Faye and Annabelle talking to be very interesting. Annabelle Beech clearly had a very interesting life, and I also loved the two assistants she lives with now.  Generally there were some lovely dynamics in this book. 

To Provence, With Love is a very gently story, the sort of book that should calm you down if you are tense, while transporting you to another country.  

Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Guest Post - Escapist settings by T.A. Williams - Blog Tour

I was going to write this about my new book, To Provence, with Love (and I will, a bit lower down, I promise), but first, I would just like to say a big thank you to Rachel and to all the other bloggers out there who read their way through millions of words every year and then write tens, if not hundreds of thousands of words in support of authors like me. And you all do it for the pure love of reading. I am ashamed to admit that I read very little. My excuse is that I spend all my time writing – and, in fairness, I do write a lot. But those of you whose appetite for the written word spurs you on to read and review book after book deserve a vote of thanks from all of us. So, thank you.

Having got that off my chest, let me tell you about my new book. Somebody on Facebook the other day pointed out a constant theme in my work: she remarked that I always write about nice places. And it’s true. So far I’ve written about Tuscany, Cornwall, rural Spain, Dartmoor, the high Alps, Venice and loads more. So why don’t I write about scruffier places, I hear you ask. The answer is twofold. First of all it’s selfish: I always research the settings for my books and I like going to nice places. So, on that basis, it’s very unlikely that I’m going to be writing a book set in a recycling centre any time soon. Not impossible, but unlikely. Second, it’s because I want my books to offer a bit of escapism. I want people to be able to lose themselves in descriptions of wonderful, romantic places, the food, the drink, the architecture, the people. If you don’t get to the end of the book wishing you, too, could have been there, then I haven’t been doing my job properly.

So, this book is To Provence, with Love. I studied French at university a long, long time ago and I love going back there. I have a very good friend who lives just an hour or so inland from the Riviera coast and it was while visiting him and his wife a couple of years ago that I realised that would make a terrific setting. Once you get away from the hustle and bustle and the unbelievable traffic(!) of the coast, it’s an area with a slower pace of life. Yes, there are loads of foreigners living there, but the French flavour remains. It’s a part of the world blessed by a mild climate, some spectacular scenery and some of the best food and drink anywhere in the world. For a visitor (not just an author on a research trip), it’s gorgeous. Fly to Nice, rent a little car and an hour or so later you’re among the vines, the umbrella pines and the lavender fields. 

As for the story of To Provence, with Love, it’s a nostalgic look back over her life by a grand old lady of 83, assisted by her Labrador, Marlon. Along with this comes the gradual realisation by Faye, the main character, that there’s more to life than her job in London.

I hope you enjoy the book.  

Thank you so much Trevor that that wonderful look of your locations. I love all of your settings and having read To Provence With Love, I can safely say I really enjoyed Provence too.  And thank you so much for your kind words about book bloggers. 

Purchase from Amazon UK

Escape to the south of France with this perfect feel-good summer romance!

Anything is possible…

Struggling writer Faye Carter just can’t believe her luck. She’s off to Provence to write the autobiography of a famous film star and she’ll be staying in the stunning chateau!

So when she meets charming (and completely gorgeous) lavender farmer, Gavin, she knows that she’s made the right choice – even if glamourous, elderly Anabelle seems to be hiding something…

But when the sun is shining, the food is delicious and the air smells of honey, anything seems possible. Will the magic of Provence help Faye finally find a happy-ever-after of her own?

Author Information

I write under the androgynous name T A Williams because 65% of books are read by women. In my first book, "Dirty Minds" one of the (female) characters suggests the imbalance is due to the fact that men spend too much time getting drunk and watching football. I couldn't possibly comment. Ask my wife...

I've written all sorts: thrillers, historical novels, short stories and now I'm enjoying myself hugely writing humour and romance. Romantic comedies are what we all need from time to time. Life isn’t always very fair. It isn’t always a lot of fun, but when it is, we need to embrace it. If my books can put a smile on your face and maybe give your heartstrings a tug, then I know I’ve done my job.

I‘ve lived all over Europe, but now I live in a little village in sleepy Devon, tucked away in south west England. I love the place. That’s why you’ll find leafy lanes and thatched cottages in most of my books. Oh, yes, and a black Labrador.

I've been writing since I was 14 and that is half a century ago. However, underneath this bald, wrinkly exterior, there beats the heart of a youngster. My wife is convinced I will never grow up. I hope she's right.

Website: http://www.tawilliamsbooks.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TAWilliamsbooks

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TrevorWilliamsBooks  

  

Tour Schedule

Tuesday 18^th July

Rachel’s Random Reads

The Writing Garnet

Wednesday 19^th July

Portable Magic

Tales of Yesterday

Thursday 20^th July

Grassmonster

It Takes a Woman

Friday 21^st July

Annie’s Book Corner

Being Anne

Saturday 22^nd July

Splashes into Books

French Village Diaries

Sunday 23^rd July

Blooming Fiction

Monday 24^th July

Chick Lit Club

The Luna May Blog

Tuesday 25^th July

Palmer’s Page Turner’s Blog

No Safer Place

Wednesday 26^th July

Fiction Fascination

A Books Eternal Glory

Thursday 27^th July

Big Book Little Book

Charlotte Somewhere

Friday 28^th July

Rae Reads

What’s Better than Books

Saturday 29^th July

A Page of Fictional Love

T-rexes and Tiaras

Sunday 30^th July

Ali the Dragon Slayer

Monday 31^st July

Linda’s Book Bag

Kraftireader